Hearts on Fire

£50

Come along for a very special Firewalk celebrating the heart and love!

Firewalking with someone you love, a friend, significant other, or family member is an incredibly powerful experience. An experience that bonds the connection between two people, and one that will never be forgotten. Research shows that when people undergo a ceremony or ritual together, especially one deemed to be extreme, the connection between them grows stronger.

There was research conducted by scientists who attached portable heart monitors to Firewalking participants as well as those who had gathered to watch them. The crowd of spectators consisted of people who had no connection to the Firewalkers, as well as relatives.

As you would expect, when the Firewalkers stepped on to the red hot coals their heart rates spiked with fear and excitement. What you may not have expected though is that their spouses, lovers and family member also spiked, at exactly the same time!

People unrelated to the Firewalkers showed no such spike, indeed, they didn’t experience any change in their heart rates at all. This tells us that the “shared heart rate” is a phenomenon that occurs between people who are already emotionally connected.

The researchers believe that Firewalking promotes social bonding via shared biological states. Previous studies show that dances and some religious services create the same feeling of group bonding, however this research shows that people can share the same physical sensations (shared heart rate) even when they are not moving as one. This is called synchronised arousal.

Other studies have shown that when people take part in extreme rituals they show and express more compassion, generosity and compassion.

This heart focused Firewalk will take place at Gortinessey School House, just outside Pettigo, Donegal. It will begin at 3.00pm and end around 10.00pm. A light supper is provided and limited accommodation is available.